RICHMOND – Looking for a unique alternative to summer camp? The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications for young women and men ages 14-17 to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Two three-week sessions of the award-winning Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) will be held, from June 26 to July 16 and July 24 to Aug. 13.

Applications are due by noon, April 13. The application process is entirely online, and can be found at www.virginiastateparks.gov. Applicants need e-mail addresses of two references to complete the application process.

Participants work in an assigned state park for three weeks and complete a series of environmental projects there. Participants also learn about the local culture and history, develop teamwork and life skills, and take part in outdoor recreation activities.

Crews are gender specific and typically have 10 to 12 young people. Three adults supervise each crew.

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the park. Food, lodging, and uniform shirts and hats are provided. Participants get a $500 stipend at the completion of the program.

The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which built the original six Virginia State Parks.